Nagios Support Forum

So check_ping and check_icmp both send ICMP echos and collect ICMP echo replies. I notice three main differences between the two:

1. The output is similar, but not exactly the same. If you swap out check_ping with check_icmp, it will work, but you'll have to remove the old RRDs as the perfdata counters are different.
2. check_ping sends ICMP echos at a fixed 1 second interval whereas check_icmp sends ICMP echos at a default but changeable 80ms interval
3. check_ping relies on the system ping command where as check_icmp can send packets on its own
4. check_icmp must have the setuid bit in order to work

Do I understand this correctly? Is there any other implications to swapping out one for the other? Specifically in swapping out check_icmp with check_ping in environments where setuid is banned by policy?

Oh and I just noticed one more difference

5. check_icmp returns "rtmax" and "rtmin" performance counters in the perfdata

Hello,

I think everything you listed is correct.

check_ping returns "rta" & "pl" for it's perfdata.

You could use the --help options of the plugins if you wanted to change the defaults around for check_ping. Otherwise, if you wanted to use check_ping instead of check_icmp which needs setuid. You should be able to do so.